Manatuto, 22 December 2025 – The Vice-President of Cruz Vermelha de Timor-Leste (CVTL), Mr. Marçal Freitas Magno, together with the Coordinator of the Civil Society Support Office (GASC), Ir. Joaquim da Costa Freitas, officially inaugurated a clean water supply system for communities in Bua Sub-Village, Uma-Naruk Village, and Nacaleu Sub-Village, Laku-Mesac Village, Post Administrative Laclo, Manatuto Municipality.
During the inauguration ceremony, Mr. Marçal Freitas Magno expressed his appreciation to GASC for its support. He explained that the water supply system, located in Bua and Nacaleu Sub-Villages, covers a total distance of 9.3 kilometers. The project benefits 57 households, serving a total population of 439 people, including 217 women and 222 men.
He highlighted that the community is now very happy, as they can easily access clean water directly in their villages, instead of traveling long distances to rivers as they had done for many years. Mr. Magno also encouraged the community to work closely with the GMF team to ensure proper care and maintenance of the water system so it can be sustained for future generations.
Speaking at the event, GASC Coordinator Ir. Joaquim da Costa Freitas emphasized that water is central to human life. He noted that previously the community had to walk far to access water, but now water has reached their homes. He encouraged the community to use the water responsibly, not only for daily needs but also to improve sanitation and support productive activities that contribute to the well-being of young people.
He added that although the CVTL project implementation has been completed, CVTL is expected to continue supporting the community, particularly by organizing youth to promote hygiene, sanitation, and other development-related activities.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by the Vice-President of CVTL, Mr. Marçal Freitas Magno; the Secretary General of CVTL, Mr. Agapito da Silva; the Head of the Department of Health, Mr. João Pinto Soares; the GASC Coordinator, Ir. Joaquim da Costa Freitas; a representative of the President of the Municipal Authority (PAM) Manatuto; the Laclo Post Administrative Administrator; village and sub-village chiefs; GMF structures; and community members.
The clean water supply project was implemented by Cruz Vermelha de Timor-Leste (CVTL) with financial and technical support from the Civil Society Support Office (GASC).
